“There are several reasons we are focusing on the
Shotgun Valley,” said Channing Swan, forester for the BLM Upper Snake Field
Office. “We want to protect the community from large, uncharacteristically high
intensity wildfires and we need to improve wildlife habitat and forest health
and promote aspen regeneration.”

Public and firefighter safety is always the first
priority in all public land fire operations. Fire managers develop burn plans
that consider safety, specific fuel and weather prescriptions, and smoke
management. All prescribed burns are closely evaluated and are approved only
when conditions are favorable.

Prescribed burns may impact individuals who are
sensitive to smoke. Recreationists should use extreme caution near prescribed
fire areas and comply with any closures that may be put in place temporarily to
protect public health and safety in areas immediately within or adjacent to
burning operations. Signage will be posted in advance of ignitions and remain
in place until operations are completed.